Emerald Ash Borer Treatments
Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect native to Asia, it has killed tens of millions of ash trees in urban, rural and forested settings. This beetle was first discovered in 2002 in southeast Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. As of May 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations were known to be present in 11 states, including several parts of Minnesota. Many homeowners, arborists, and tree care professionals want to protect valuable ash trees from EAB. For up to date information on EAB, check out the MN Department of Agriculture EAB site at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/
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What options do I have for treating my ash trees?
If you elect to treat your ash trees, there are several insecticide options available. Research has shown that treatments can be effective. Keep in mind, however,that controlling insects that feed under the bark with insecticides has always been difficult. This is especially true with EAB because our native North American ash trees have little natural resistance to this pest. In university trials, some insecticide treatments were effective in some sites, but the same treatments failed in other sites. Furthermore, in some studies conducted over multiple years, EAB densities continued to increase in individual trees despite annual treatment. To read more about current research, please go to this link at www.emeraldashborer.info and open the Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees From Emerald Ash Borer
Treehugger Tree Care, Inc has studied EAB extensively
and has concluded that there are two strong options to keep
EAB out of your trees and protect your investments.
Finding the diameter of your tree:
Treatment costs and insecticide doses are based on the diameter (d) of the tree to be treated. To measure your tree, use a standard tape measure (you may need a helper to hold one end). Set the tape at breast level (about 4 feet above ground). Walk around the tree to find the circumference (c) of the tree and divide that measurement by ∏ (3.14) D= C / ∏
For example, a measurement of 72” inches would be a 23” diameter (dbh) tree. (72” divided by 3.14 is 22.92”, rounded up to 23”)
Treehugger offers two treatment options to control EAB:
OPTION ONE: Xytect 2F:
Xytect 2F is a systemic insecticide that is translocated to the canopy from the root system. It is highly effective against a broad range of ornamental pests and is applied in a soil drench manner. Xytect 2F is a liquid formulation of imidacloprid that allows for easy dosing of individual trees. It is great for trees that are 15” dbh or smaller. Large boulevard trees may not be best suited for a soil drench Xytect application.
More Information at: http://www.rainbowscivance.com/xytect/index.asp
Coverage: Xytect 2F is best applied in early spring or late fall and needs to be applied yearly. Uptake by the tree can take 4-6 weeks.
The pricing is as follows:
15” or smaller Ash Trees:
1) Trees that are 15" or less need 6 ml of Xytect per diameter inch at a cost of $5 per inch measured. The minimum application fee is $50 plus tax and travel fees (.25 cents per mile).
For example:
South Minneapolis 8" diameter Ash x $5.00 inch. = $40.00 (Minimum cost is $50.00)
$50.00 + 7.4% Sales Tax of $3.70 = $53.70
(If the tree was in Burnsville, Mound, Stillwater, or Woodbury I would charge another $10, so the cost would be $63.70)
Larger than 15” Ash Trees:
2) Trees that are 15" or more need 12 ml of Xytect per diameter inch at a cost of $7.00 per inch.
For example:
Roseville 20" diameter Ash x $7.00 inch. = $140
$140.00 + 6.9% Sales Tax = $149.66
(If the tree was in Burnsville, Mound, Stillwater, or Woodbury I would charge another
$10, so the cost would be $63.70)
Extra Charges:
Trees that have concrete, asphalt, rocks, etc. around the flare roots (base of tree) will require a special charge to remove those items from the tree. This is good practice for trees. Treehugger recommends a 2-3 foot mulch ring and added compost around the base of the trees after treatment. Clients can strip the area of grass and get the mulch and compost on their own or I can bring it on the day of treatment.
OPTION 2: TREE-AGE
TREE-age is a systemic insecticide that is translocated to the canopy by being injected into the trunk of the tree 6”-18” above ground. It is highly effective against a broad range of ornamental pests and is applied using the Arborjet Tree IV Device. TREE-age is s a liquid formulation of emamectin benzoate that allows for easy dosing of single or multiple trees. It is great for trees that are any size greater than 4” dbh.
Information at: http://www.arborjet.com/products/tree-age.htm
Coverage: TREE-age can be applied at any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen or extremely wet. Uptake by the tree can take 2-4 weeks. TREE-age is the only product on the market that protects the tree for TWO YEARS and can be applied to a tree if EAB is currently present in the tree (up to a 50% canopy decline). Current research studies that are to conclude at the end of 2009 may find that TREE-age will provide THREE years protection in northern climate Ash trees. I will post details on this page as I am notified of the results of the research.
The pricing is as follows:
All sizes of Ash Trees:
TREE-age is priced at $15 per inch measured at breast height (DBH). The minimum application fee is $50 plus tax and travel fees (.25 cents per mile).
For example:
1) South Minneapolis 8" diameter Ash x $15.00 inch = $120.00
$120.00 + 7.4% sales tax of $8.88 = $128.88
(If the tree was in Burnsville, Mound, Stillwater, or Woodbury I would charge another $10, so the cost would be $138.88)
2) Roseville 20" diameter Ash x $15.00 inch. = $300
$300.00 + 6.9% Sales Tax of $20.70 = $320.70
(If the tree was in Burnsville, Mound, Stillwater, or Woodbury I would charge another $10, so the cost would be $330.70)
NEIGHBOORHOOD DISCOUNTS:
Talk to your neighbors and organize a treatment day for Treehugger to work and have the opportunity to save many trees and save $$$.
Neighborhoods can receive discounts up to $3.00 per diameter inch to have TREE-age applied to multiple trees in your neighborhood. This is a great way to educate the neighborhood, save money, and do something good for the community. Treehugger will even demonstrate the process to those interested.
Discounts:
100” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $1.00 off per dbh. ($14)
200” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $2.00 off per dbh. ($13)
300” inches of TREE-age treated trees: $3.00 off per dbh. ($12)
400” inches or more, please contact Treehugger with rates.
Xytect discounts can be discounted up to $1.00 per dbh:
100” inches of Xytect treated trees: $0.50 off per dbh.
200” inches of Xytect treated trees: $1.00 off per dbh.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS OR WOULD LIKE TO HAVE JASON INSPECT YOUR TREES PRIOR TO APPLICATION, PLEASE GO TO THE CONTACT PAGE
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